From Green Right Now Reports

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel, Audi’s first clean diesel vehicle for the U.S. market, will arrive in U.S. dealerships later this month priced at $50,900.

Audi says the TDI technology, now 20 years old, is the “world’s cleanest diesel system.” The technology meets emissions regulations in all 50 U.S. states, the company says. That includes the California ULEV II (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) standards that also apply to conventional gasoline vehicles and represent one of the world’s most rigorous motor vehicle emission requirements.

“The moment has arrived for clean diesel to be seen as an immediate answer to America’s energy challenges,” Johan de Nysschen, President of Audi of America, said in a statement. “With the Q7 TDI, Audi is clearly demonstrating that luxury car buyers do not need to sacrifice progressive styling, comfort or performance to see fuel economy gains.”

The Q7 TDI gets 30% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of similar size, Audi says. That means the Q7 TDI offers the efficiency of 25 mpg in highway driving and a range of more than 600 miles on a full tank. The Q7 TDI also gets an EPA-rated 17 mpg in city driving and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg.

Audi says the TDI clean diesel engine in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is significantly better for the environment than past diesel engines. The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Audi Q7 TDI produces about 25% less carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline engines. The exhaust emission control system found in the Q7 TDI reduces smog-causing nitrogen oxides by up to 90% when compared with past generations of diesel technologies sold in the U.S.

The $50,900 base price does not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges. Buyers of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI also qualify for a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Don’t be fooled. Gasoline prices won’t be bumping around $2 a gallon for long. Driving a car with good fuel economy still makes sense. Higher mpg means lower operating costs for the household budget and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Happily, car shoppers today have a myriad of options among fuel frugal 2009 cars. You can find something getting 30 mpg or better on the highway at nearly every dealer lot. In some cases, you’ll have to settle for a trim line with a smaller engine and manual transmission to hit the 30 mpg mark.

Here are 30 with 30 mpg:

Audi TT

Gorgeous lines, 200-horsepower and a crisp six-speed manual transmission make the Audi TT a swell sports car. The fuel economy of the base 2-liter model makes it an earth-friendly sports car.
EPA estimated mpg: 22 city/30 highway